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Bachendri embarks on 2000-km long desert expedition

     Bhuj (Gujarat): India's first woman Everest conqueror Bachendri Pal embarked on the 2000-km long Indian Women's First Thar Desert Expedition from here on Thursday. Pal, who is leading an all-women's group of 12 members, said her achievements would be remembered only if she shared her experiences with others. "Nothing would happen by glorifying my past achievements. I should share my experiences with others and therefore I embark upon one expedition or the other every year," she said.

    Pal added that the trek, which will be covered on foot as well as on camels, was a different kind of a challenge for her but she was prepared. "All the women have undertaken adventure journeys in the past. Here we got trained in camel riding. We really worked hard on that. It was a tremendous learning experience. And, we know we'll face a lot of problems such as sand storms, dehydration, scorpions, snakes, but we are prepared," she said. The expedition is supported by India's border guards Border Security Force (BSF) and sponsored by steel major Tata Steel. It has been approved by the BSF, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Manohar Botham, a BSF official, said the interaction of participants with locals en route would help instill confidence among border women as well. "The women will visit different villages in the border areas and interact with villagers. It will definitely foster feelings of harmony in the border areas. The village women would also gain confidence when they speak to these participants," he said. The month-long expedition is the first of sorts for many reasons. It will be the maiden expedition covering 2000 kilometres over the Great Indian Desert by any male or female team.

    Travelling through the Rann of Kutch, the Thar Desert, and the plains of Punjab, the trek will culminate at Wagah on February 20. In Gujarat, the trek will cover around 508 kilometres, of which 350 kilometres will be the Rann of Kutch. It will then proceed to Rajasthan; traverse 1000 kilometres of the desert touching the towns of Munabao, Jaisalmer and Ganganagar. Finally it will cover 400 kilometres of the plains in Punjab, and enroute Abohar, Khemkaran culminate at Wagah. Since the trek will go through a very dry and arid zone, and involve the border areas, the BSF will provide the logistics and the medical aid.
-Jan 18,  2007

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